China's Natural Wonders: From Avatar Mountains to Turquoise Lakes
A 12-Day Journey Through China's Most Spectacular Landscapes
Journey Overview
Discover China's Most Breathtaking Natural Masterpieces
This meticulously crafted 12-day expedition takes you through China's most awe-inspiring natural landscapes, featuring the otherworldly peaks of Zhangjiajie that inspired Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains and the fairyland-like turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou Valley. Combining ancient cultural treasures with nature's most spectacular creations, this journey offers an unforgettable immersion into China's diverse beauty.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing & Ancient Traditions
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport where your personal guide welcomes you. Transfer to your hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the time difference.
Day 2: Imperial Grandeur & Ancient Rituals
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Begin at Tiananmen Square, then explore the magnificent Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace complex. Climb Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the ancient palace roofs.
Afternoon (14:00-17:30): Visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for harvest. Conclude with optional evening plans including Peking duck dinner or cultural performances.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure & Modern Marvels
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (08:00-12:30): Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, hike along this beautifully restored section with cable car options available.
Afternoon (13:30-17:30): Return to Beijing to photograph the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Local Life & Imperial Gardens
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-11:30): Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through ancient hutongs.
Afternoon (11:30-14:30): Explore the Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden, including a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Evening flight to Chengdu.
Days 5-7: Panda Homeland & Jiuzhaigou Fairyland
Day 5: Giant Pandas & Chengdu Culture
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Visit Chengdu Panda Base to observe giant pandas in their natural habitat.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Experience local life at Renmin Park with tea tasting, then explore ancient Jinli Old Street.
Day 6: Journey to Huanglong's Rainbow Pools
Accommodation: New Jiuzhai Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (08:00-11:30): Scenic bullet train journey to Jiuzhaigou region.
Afternoon (13:00-16:00): Explore Huanglong National Park's stunning terraced limestone ponds in rainbow colors. Hike or take cable car to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 7: Jiuzhaigou Valley's Turquoise Wonderland
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel Chengdu ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full Day (08:00-17:30): Immerse in Jiuzhaigou Valley's breathtaking landscape. Visit Long Lake, Five-colour Pool, Nuorilang Waterfall, and Shuzheng Lakes via shuttle bus and leisurely hiking. Evening bullet train return to Chengdu.
Days 8-10: Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains
Day 8: Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge Thrills
Accommodation: Santa Daminga International Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast
Morning flight to Zhangjiajie. Full day exploring Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and walking the world's longest glass bridge, "Yuntiandu," with optional bungee jumping from the world's highest platform.
Day 9: Wulingyuan's Floating Peaks
Accommodation: Santa Daminga International Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Ride Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the real-life Pandora with quartzite pillars that inspired Avatar.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Explore Tianzi Mountain's spectacular peak forest and cloud sea scenery via cable car.
Day 10: Tianmen Mountain's Heavenly Gate
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Ride Asia's longest cable car to Tianmenshan Mountain, walk the glass plank road suspended above clouds.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Conquer 999 steps to Tianmen Cave, a natural mountain-penetrating arch. Evening flight to Shanghai.
Days 11-12: Modern Shanghai & Departure
Day 11: Shanghai's Blended Elegance
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Visit Jade Buddha Temple and admire the Oriental Pearl TV Tower exterior.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Explore classical Yuyuan Garden, shop at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, stroll along the Bund's architectural gallery.
Day 12: Farewell to China
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport, with optional Maglev train experience. Depart with unforgettable memories of China's most spectacular natural and cultural wonders.